Tissue treatment and modification device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the fields of energy-tissue interaction and medical treatment. The invention also relates to a device for enhancing the surgical operations. The device also improves treatment, efficacy, and safety of procedures involving the application of energy to various organs, tissue, in animals and in treating the human body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising: an emitter that emits a first energy along a path; a first member that extends at least partially into the path; a circuit that couples activity of the emitter with movement of the first member. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the emitter comprises a flashlamp. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first energy comprise an incoherent beam. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first energy has an energy density of less than about 3 J/cm 2  degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first energy is sufficient to cause damage to a retina of an eye. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member has a length of no greater than 7 mm. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit precluded the emitter from emitting the energy unless the first member is depressed. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit precluded the emitter from emitting the first energy unless the first member is depressed by at least 3.5 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit allows the emitter to emit an aiming beam having a lower energy density than the first energy. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit allows the emitter to emit an aiming beam having a different wavelength than the first energy. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit also couples activity of the emitter with movement of a second member. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second members are coupled to a common foot. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes an expanded portion that absorbs at least 30% of the first energy. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member is cooled below 5 degrees C. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cooling element that actively cools the first member. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the cooling element has sufficient cooling capacity such that when the energy is applied at an energy density of at least 1 J/cm 2  to a skin having an epidermal-dermal junction, the junction remains below 50 degrees C. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the cooling element is activated at a predetermined time subsequent to a detected movement of the first member. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes a fluid path through which a fluid is dispensed. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes a resistive heating element. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first member prevents contact between the any other part of the device and the target surface.